The Saints on Earth and Those Above
The saints on earth and those above
This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of the communion of saints as the interconnection between believers on earth and the departed faithful in heaven, unified in Christ. It reflects the eschatological hope central to Christian faith without emphasizing prayers to saints.
History & Background
Written by Charles Wesley in the 18th century, this hymn celebrates the unity of the Church militant and Church triumphant. It was included in Methodist hymnals and later adopted by Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 478
Bulletin Note
Written by Charles Wesley in 1747, this hymn expresses the evangelical recovery of the communion of saints—the belief that Christ unites all believers, living and departed, in one eternal fellowship of grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's eschatological promise: death's power is broken by the Cross, and believers are united across the veil in Christ, grounding pastoral hope in the communion of saints rather than human merit.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's Lenten self-denial models our repentance; His victory over Satan empowers our spiritual triumph; His presence sustains us through suffering toward Easter joy and eternal paradise.
Themes
Communion of Saints Heaven and earth united Triumphant Church Eternal fellowship